Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 4310-K6-M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV-05-304] United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)of the Department of Agriculture

(USDA)is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus. Specifically, AMS is revising the standards to allow purple and white asparagus to be graded using the standards. This change will bring the standards for asparagus in line with current marketing practices, thereby, improving the usefulness of the standards in serving the industry. DATES: *Effective Date:* February 23, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661, South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240,

(202)720-2185, fax

(202)720-8871, or e-mail *Cheri.Emery@usda.gov* . The revised United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus is available either from the above address or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture “To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.” AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus using the procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision to the standards, AMS published a notice on March 29, 2005 in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 15817) soliciting comments on a possible revision of the United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus. Based on comments received and information gathered, a second notice was published on October 6, 2005 in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 58370) proposing to revise the standards to allow purple and white asparagus to be graded using the standards. In response to this notice AMS received two comments from Peruvian asparagus organizations supporting the proposed revision. The comments are available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm* The two comments from Peruvian asparagus organizations supporting the proposed revision stated that the revision would facilitate the marketing of fresh asparagus. Based on comments received and information gathered, AMS is revising the fresh asparagus standards to allow purple and white asparagus to be graded using the U.S. standards. The official grade of a lot of fresh asparagus covered by these standards will be determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). The United States Standards for Grades of Fresh Asparagus will be effective 30 days after publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. Dated: January 18, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6-782 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV-05-305] United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)of the Department of Agriculture

(USDA)is revising the United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes. Specifically, AMS is revising the standards to add a U.S. No. 1 Long Stem grade along with an undersize tolerance of 5 percent in the standards. The new grade will have the same requirements as the U.S. No. 1 except that the stems must be smoothly cut to a minimum length of at least 8 inches, unless specified to a longer length in connection with the grade. AMS is further defining “fairly compact” by including a definition for “slightly spread” to mean, “the outer scales may be slightly open, but the inner scales at the tip of the artichoke must be closely folded into the bud.” The revisions would bring the standards for globe artichokes in line with current marketing practices, thereby improving their usefulness in serving the industry. DATES: *Effective Date:* February 23, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, STOP 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240, Fax

(202)720-8871 or call

(202)720-2185; E-mail *Cheri.Emery@usda.gov* . The revised United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes will be available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture “To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.” AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background Prior to undertaking work to develop a proposed revision to the standard, AMS published a notice on April 26, 2005, in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 21391) soliciting comments on a possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes. After receiving comments, a second notice was published in the September 12, 2005, **Federal Register** (70 FR 53774) proposing to revise the standards by adding a new grade “U.S. No. 1 Long Stem” and further defining “fairly compact” by including a definition for “slightly spread.” In response to this notice AMS received one comment from an industry group supporting the proposed revision. The comment is available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm* . Based on comments received and information gathered, AMS believes the revision to the standards will bring the standards for globe artichokes in line with current marketing practices and thereby improve their usefulness. The official grade of a lot of globe artichokes covered by these standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). The United States Standards for Grades of Globe Artichokes will become effective 30 days after the publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. Dated: January 18, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6-785 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV-06-301] United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)of the Department of Agriculture

(USDA)is soliciting comments on the proposed voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities. This action is being taken at the request of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, which asked AMS to identify products that may be better served if grade standards are developed. The proposed standards would provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting orderly and efficient marketing of fresh produce shipments containing different commodities packaged in the same container. DATES: Comments must be received by March 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661, South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240, fax

(202)720-8871, e-mail *FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov* . Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the **Federal Register** and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours and on the Internet. The draft of the proposed United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities is available by accessing AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, at the above address or call

(202)720-2185, e-mail *Cheri.Emery@usda.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices. AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by the USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to establish voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities using the procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background At a meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to identify fresh fruit and vegetables that may be better served if grade standards are developed. AMS identified fresh produce that are uniformly packaged with different types of commodities in the same container, as possibly in need of official grade standards. Such standards are used by the fresh produce industry to describe the products they are trading, thus facilitating the marketing of those products. AMS has developed proposed voluntary grade standards for shipments of mixed commodities. These standards would establish a grade U.S. Mixed as well as sections pertaining to sampling, tolerances, application of tolerances, and definitions for Injury, Damage and Serious Damage. The adoption of these proposed standards would provide the ever expanding mixed commodity industry with U.S. grade standards similar to those extensively in use by the fresh produce industry to assist in orderly marketing of other commodities. The official grade of a lot of mixed commodities covered by these standards will be determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). This notice provides for a 60 day comment period for interested parties to comment on the proposed United States Standards for Grades of Mixed Commodities. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. Dated: January 18, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6-780 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV-05-308] United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)of the Department of Agriculture

(USDA)is soliciting comments on the proposed voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods. This action is being taken at the request of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, which asked AMS to identify commodities that may be better served if grade standards are developed. The proposed standards would provide industry with a common language and uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of pea pods. DATES: Comments must be received by March 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax

(202)720-8871, E-mail *FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov* . Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the **Federal Register** and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours and on the Internet. The draft of the proposed United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods is available by accessing AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, at the above address or call

(202)720-2185; E-mail *Cheri.Emery@usda.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture “To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade, and packaging, and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.” AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables that are not requirements of Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA, AMS, Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is proposing to establish voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods using the procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background At a meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, AMS was asked to identify fresh fruit and vegetables that may be better served if grade standards are developed. As a result, AMS identified pea pods, or as they are sometimes called snow peas, as a commodity possibly in need of official grade standards. Such standards are used by the fresh produce industry to describe the product they are trading, thus facilitating the marketing of the product. Prior to undertaking research and other work associated to develop the standards, AMS published a notice on May 2, 2005 in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 83) soliciting comments on the possible development of the United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods. In response to the request for comments, AMS received one comment on the development of U.S. standards for pea pods. The comment was from an industry group that expressed support for the development of standards for pea pods. The comment is available by accessing AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/fvfpbdocketlist.htm* . Based on the comment received and information gathered, AMS has developed proposed grade standards for pea pods. This proposal would establish the following grades, as well as a tolerance for each grade: U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1. In addition, there are proposed “Tolerances,” and “Application of Tolerances” sections. AMS is proposing to define “Injury,” “Damage” and “Serious Damage,” along with specific basic requirements and definitions for defects. The official grade of a lot or shipment of fresh vegetables covered by U.S. standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on the proposed United States Standards for Grades of Pea Pods. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. Dated: January 18, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6-784 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV-05-301] United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)of the Department of Agriculture

(USDA)is revising the United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. AMS received a request from an industry group to modify the standards to allow that percentages be determined by count and not volume. The change will make tolerance determination more objective and more uniform. DATES: Effective Date: February 23, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 1661 South Building, STOP 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240, Fax

(202)720-8871 or call

(202)720-2185; E-mail *Cheri.Emery@usda.gov* . The revised United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries will be available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture “To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.” AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. The United States Standards for Grades of Fruits and Vegetables not connected with Federal Marketing Orders or U.S. Import Requirements, no longer appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, but are maintained by USDA/AMS/Fruit and Vegetable Programs. AMS is revising the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries using procedures that appear in Part 36, Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations (7 CFR part 36). Background Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision to the standard, AMS published a notice on March 11, 2005, in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 12175) soliciting comments on a possible revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries. After receiving comments, a second notice was published in the September 7, 2005, **Federal Register** (70 FR 53148-9) concerning the proposed percentage determination. In response to this notice, AMS received one comment from a state agricultural representative opposing the proposed revision. The comment is available by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbdocketlist.htm* . The comment stated that the size variance is too great to make a count-based inspection an accurate representation of the lot and that maybe the commodity should be inspected by weight. However, AMS believes that allowing percentages to be determined by count and not volume would establish a uniform procedure for determining the percentages, thereby providing more objectivity to an inspection. Additionally, AMS is eliminating the unclassified category. This section is being removed in all standards, when they are revised. This category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary. The official grade of a lot of strawberries covered by these standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61). The United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries will become effective 30 days after the publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. Dated: January 18, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6-781 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service [Docket Number FV-06-304] United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type) AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS)of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is soliciting comments on a proposal to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type). AMS has received petitions from the California Grape and Tree Fruit League and Western Growers Association, requesting that the current standards be modified by adding a 10 percent allowance for shattered berries in consumer containers for en route or at destination. DATES: Comments must be received by March 27, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax

(202)720-8871, E-mail *FPB.DocketClerk@usda.gov.* Comments should make reference to the dates and page number of this issue of the **Federal Register** and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. The United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type) are available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: *http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/stanfrfv.htm.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri L. Emery, at the above address or call

(202)720-2185, E-mail *Cheri.Emery@usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 203(c) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), as amended, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture “To develop and improve standards of quality, condition, quantity, grade and packaging and recommend and demonstrate such standards in order to encourage uniformity and consistency in commercial practices.” AMS is committed to carrying out this authority in a manner that facilitates the marketing of agricultural commodities and makes copies of official standards available upon request. Background AMS received petitions from the California Grape and Tree Fruit League and Western Growers Association, requesting a revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type). These standards were last revised in 1999. The petitioners represent more than 85 percent of the European or Vinifera type table grape production in the United States. The petitioners are requesting that AMS revise the standards to provide a 10 percent allowance for shattered berries in consumer containers for en route or at destination. Shattered means that the berry is detached from the bunch. The standards currently provide a 12 percent total tolerance for bunches and berries failing to meet the requirements of grade for en route or at destination. Revising the standards to include a separate 10 percent allowance would mean that shattered berries would not be scored as a defect against the 12 percent total tolerance until the amount of shattered berries exceeds the 10 percent allowance. For example:

(1)A lot of berries which has 22 percent shattered berries 12 percent would be reported as a defect, this lot would meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 1 Table grade provided no other defects were present;

(2)a lot of berries which has 23 percent shattered berries 13 percent would be reported as a defect which would cause the lot to fail meet the requirements of the U.S. No. Table 1 grade by 1 percent. The petitioners stated that they feel change, specific to consumer containers, is warranted as the majority of table grapes are now being sold in consumer containers which allows shattered berries to be fully utilized/sold. This does not hold true for shattered berries in bulk containers, as these berries remain loose in the container, therefore, limiting the ability to fully utilize/sell the shattered berries. Prior to undertaking detailed work to develop a proposed revision to the standards, AMS is soliciting comments on the petition submitted to revise the United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type). This notice provides for a 60-day comment period for interested parties to comment on changes to the standards. Should AMS conclude that revisions are needed, the Agency will develop a proposed revised standard that will be published in the **Federal Register** with a request for comments. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. Dated: January 18, 2006. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E6-783 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Summer Food Service Program for Children Program Reimbursement for 2006 AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the annual adjustments to the reimbursement rates for meals served in the Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP). These adjustments reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index and are required by the statute governing the Program. In addition, further adjustments are made to these rates to reflect the higher costs of providing meals in the States of Alaska and Hawaii, as authorized by the William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998. DATES: *Effective Date:* January 1, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert M. Eadie, Branch Chief, Policy and Program Development Branch, Child Nutrition Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 640, Alexandria, Virginia 22302,

(703)305-2590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.559 and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372 which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials (7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, and final rule related notice published at 48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983). In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3518), no new recordkeeping or reporting requirements have been included that are subject to approval from the Office of Management and Budget. This notice is not a rule as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) and thus is exempt from the provisions of that Act. Additionally, this notice has been determined to be exempt from review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. Definitions The terms used in this Notice shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the regulations governing the Summer Food Service Program for Children (7 CFR part 225). Background In accordance with Section 13 of the National School Lunch Act

(NSLA)(42 U.S.C. 1761) and the regulations governing the SFSP (7 CFR part 225), notice is hereby given of adjustments in Program payments for meals served to children participating in the SFSP in 2006. Adjustments are based on changes in the food away from home series of the Consumer Price Index

(CPI)for All Urban Consumers for the period November 2004 through November 2005. Section 104(a) of the William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-336) amended Section 12(f) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. 1760(f)) to allow adjustments to SFSP reimbursement rates to reflect the higher cost of providing meals in the SFSP in Alaska and Hawaii. Therefore, this notice contains adjusted rates for Alaska and Hawaii. This change was made in an effort to be consistent with other Child Nutrition Programs, such as the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, which already had the authority to provide higher reimbursement rates for programs in Alaska and Hawaii. The 2006 reimbursement rates, in dollars, for all States excluding Alaska and Hawaii: Maximum per Meal Reimbursement Rates for All States (not AK or HI) Operating costs Administrative costs Rural or self-preparation sites Other types of sites Breakfast $1.47 $.1450 $.1150 Lunch or Supper 2.56 .2675 .2225 Supplement .59 .0725 .0575 The 2006 reimbursement rates, in dollars, for Alaska: Maximum per Meal Reimbursement Rates for Alaska Only Operating costs Administrative costs Rural or self-preparation sites Other types of sites Breakfast $2.38 $.2350 $.1875 Lunch or Supper 4.15 .4350 .3600 Supplement .97 .1175 .0925 The 2006 reimbursement rates, in dollars, for Hawaii: Maximum per Meal Reimbursement Rates for Hawaii Only Operating costs Administrative costs Rural or self-preparation sites Other types of sites Breakfast $1.72 $.1700 $.1350 Lunch or Supper 3.00 .3125 .2600 Supplement .70 .0850 .0675 The total amount of payments to State agencies for disbursement to Program sponsors will be based upon these Program reimbursement rates and the number of meals of each type served. The above reimbursement rates, for both operating and administrative reimbursement rates, represent a 3.2 percent increase during 2005 (from 189.6 in November 2004 to 195.6 in November 2005) in the food away from home series of the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. The Department would like to point out that the SFSP administrative reimbursement rates continue to be adjusted up or down to the nearest quarter-cent, as has previously been the case. Additionally, operating reimbursement rates have been rounded down to the nearest whole cent, as required by Section 11(a)(3)(B) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. 1759 (a)(3)(B)). Authority: Secs. 9, 13 and 14, National School Lunch Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1758, 1761, and 1762a). Dated: January 17, 2006. Roberto Salazar, Administrator. [FR Doc. E6-793 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Southwest Mississippi Resource Advisory Committee AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Meeting notice for the Southwest Mississippi Resource Advisory Committee under Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393 SUMMARY: This notice is published in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Meeting notice is hereby given for the southwest Mississippi Resource Advisory Committee pursuant to Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000, Public Law 106-393. Topics to be discussed include: General information, possible Title II projects, and next meeting dates and agendas. DATES: The meeting will be held on February 28, 2006, from 6 p.m. and end at approximately 9 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Franklin County Public Library, 381 First Street, Meadville, Mississippi. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Bell Lunsford, Public Affairs Officer, USDA, Homochitto National Forest, 1200 Hwy. 184 East, Meadville, MS 39653 (601-384-5876). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. Committee discussion is limited to Forest Service staff, Committee members and elected officials. However, persons who wish to bring matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. A public input session will be provided and individuals who made written requests by February 21, 2006, will have the opportunity to address the committee at that session. Individuals wishing to speak or propose agenda items must send their names and proposals to Tim Reed, District Ranger, DFO, 1200 Hwy. 184 East, Meadville, MS 39653. Dated: January 13, 2006. Tim Reed, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. 06-606 Filed 1-23-06; 8:45 am]

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